The genus Agave is treated here in a wide sense to include taxa previously treated as belonging to the genera Manfreda, Prochnyanthes, Polianthes and Pseudobravoa. Not all botanists are happy with this treatment, with some feeling that these genera should remain distinct, at least until further studies have been carried out. In addition, given the high species diversity found in Agave, some feel that an alternative approach could be the recognition of several smaller genera within the current circumscription of Agave[].

Common Name:

General Information

Agave variegata is a stemless, herbaceous perennial plant growing from an underground corm with fleshy, contractile roots. It produces a cluster of drought-deciduous leaves around 15 - 45cm long and 22 - 35mm wide, with a flowering stem that can be 50 - 110cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. The rhizomes of this and several other closely related species used to be highly valued for their use as a soap. They were sold in large quantities in local markets all round the country[]. The plant is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

Many Agave species have strong, sharp spines on the leaves and leaf tips.
In theory at least, the flowers, nectar, immature flowering stem and the centre of the rosette of all Agave species is edible and, with proper preparation, can provide a sweet, tasty foodstuff. Some species, however, contain relatively high levels of saponins (which makes them taste bitter) and some other compounds which can cause bellyache, and so these would only be eaten in times of desperation. In addition, many people may find these foods to be strongly laxative the first few times they eat them[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - southern Texas, eastern Mexico (Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla)

Habitat

Dry chaparral sites, on slopes, or between rocks, and in moist oak, thorn and tropical deciduous and (semi-) evergreen rain forests and desert scrub; at elevations from 10 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave variegata has a wide range from the warm temperate regions of southern Texas, along the east of Mexico as far south as the tropical climate of Veracruz and Puebla.
Agave species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in most soils of medium-fertility so long as they are very well-drained. Most species are undemanding as to the soil pH, though those found in the wild on limestone soils will grow better in neutral to alkaline conditions. Plants are generally very tolerant of dry conditions and of drought[].
The plant is grown as an ornamental. It produces a strikingly large flower stalk, but the flowers emit a foul odour[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The macerated and crushed rhizome is used as a remedy for snakebites[, ].

The leaves are applied to the forehead in order to ease headaches[].

Other Uses

A liquid soap can be made from the saponin-rich rhizome[]. The rhizome was cut into pieces and soaked for several days. The rhizomes and water together were used, especially for washing woollens1852]. The rhizomes can be dried for storage and then grated as needed[]
The rhizome produces a substantial lather - a piece the size of a walnut, when grated and added to one litre of water, is said to be sufficient to wash a suit of clothes[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a light position, mid spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15 - 20°c[, ]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant out at the beginning of the growing season, and give some protection from the cold for at least their first few winters[].
Offsets and suckers can be potted up at any time they are available. Keep in a warm greenhouse until they are well established[].